Indianapolis is often seen as a vibrant melting pot in the upper Midwest. This city boasts a rich array of museums and universities, and it’s surprisingly easy to navigate on foot, especially considering it started as a mere square mile. Since its founding in the 1820s, Indianapolis has seen significant growth, fueled by waves of immigrants and veterans returning from overseas conflicts, leading to a diverse and thriving food scene. In this Indianapolis Food and Booze guide, we’ll explore a restaurant that specializes in dishes cooked on Weber grills, a beloved fast food spot, a barbecue joint, and a few steakhouses. While this guide isn’t exhaustive, it aims to provide you with at least a few spots worth visiting – even for just a nice cocktail.
Food Fresh Off the Grill Anytime at Weber Grill Restaurant
| Location: 10 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis IN 46204 |
| Food and Drinks Cost: $55 + tax and tip |
| Grade: A- |
After a long day of walking, I was in dire need of unwinding with a cocktail and dinner. I discovered this restaurant while exploring Google Maps for nearby dining options after visiting White River State Park. It belongs to a small chain with about four locations, mainly in Chicago, but there’s also one in Indianapolis. The menu piqued my interest with its wide range of choices, and I have a soft spot for grilled food—there’s something about that smoky flavor that’s simply irresistible. I decided to give it a try, and it turned out to be a very good decision. I sat at the bar, which was mostly vacant, and the young bartender began chatting with me. We covered a variety of subjects, including about the local sports fans and the types of crowds that visit the bar and Indianapolis in general. He also provided some excellent recommendations for drinks and food served at the restaurant. I ended up staying for over two hours.
I kicked things off with a Vintage Old Fashioned. I originally wanted a Smoked Manhattan, but the bartender insisted I try this drink instead, and he was spot on. This cocktail had just three ingredients: house-infused Old Forester Bourbon, simple syrup, and angostura bitters, and it was fantastic, offering a great mix of smoky and sweet flavors. A perfect way to start dinner.
For dinner, I savored a glass of Malbec red wine alongside the Big G burger, which was wrapped in lettuce instead of a traditional bun, accompanied by a side of fries. The Big G burger boasts a generous 10oz of their unique beef blend, topped with Swiss cheese, smoked caramelized onions, and a decadent bone marrow bordelaise sauce, all encased in a lettuce wrap. It was an incredible meal; the beef had that ideal charcoal-grilled taste, complete with classic grill marks. Paired with the toppings, it was delicious and the perfect way to conclude a long day of walking and sightseeing. This restaurant perfectly combines the sophisticated atmosphere of an upscale steakhouse with a grilling style that appeals to the average person.
Burnt Ends and Pulled Pork at the 317 BBQ
| Location: 6320 Guilford Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46220 |
| Food Cost: $26 + tax and tip |
| Grade: C+ |
I decided to head over to this area of town known as “Broad Ripple”. It appears to be a hipster/trendy district that features numerous small businesses, restaurants, bars, breweries and cigar lounges. I picked this location due to its excellent reviews on Google Maps, and the presence of a brewery was a bonus. Finding parking was somewhat challenging since street parking and spaces in front of the businesses were limited. I eventually parked in a garage located about three blocks away. The area is incredibly lively, and despite visiting at night, it was well-lit, making me feel quite secure.
The menu appeared to have limited options, but I hadn’t reviewed it in advance. After taking some time to look it over, I made my selection. The staff was very friendly and informed me about the size of the small plates, which I appreciated since I was also ordering some burnt ends on the side. I chose a small plate of pulled pork along with horseradish coleslaw, and added a side of pork belly burnt ends. I decided to forgo a drink as I intended to visit a brewery later.
It was okay, nothing to rave about or complain over. The pulled pork had a subtle applewood taste, but I ended up dipping it in barbecue sauce out of curiosity rather than because it needed it. The sauce was more of a peppery one, not the thick barbecue style you’d expect from Carolina or Kansas City. The burnt ends had decent flavor but were a bit tough and chewy—maybe it was the cut of meat? I managed to cut them down, which made it easier. The coleslaw had a nice tang and a bit of spice, which paired well with the meats. Some spicy pickles on the side also helped balance everything out. Overall, it was just average.
Get a Steakburger and Fries at Steak & Shake
| Location: 8157 E 96th St, Indianapolis, IN 46256 (numerous locations all over Indianapolis) |
| Food Cost: $10 |
| Grade: B- |
In my obligatory fast food stop, we go with Steak and Shake! This legendary fast food establishment began in 1934 in Normal, Illinois, where it combined a gas station with a chicken restaurant before evolving into a burger joint. According to History Time Machine, founder Gus Belt championed open kitchens, allowing patrons to see steaks being ground right in front of them. Over time, it evolved into a fast food or fast casual dining experience. While it retains a classic diner atmosphere, customers now order through automated kiosks instead of cashiers, and they must pick up their meals at the counter from a very busy kitchen. The menu primarily features ‘steakburgers’, but also includes a ‘steak frank’, chicken tenders, chili, fries, and is well-known for its milkshakes. Steak and Shake has locations mainly in the Midwest and the Deep South. Steak n’ Shake also made news in 2025 by indicating they are transitioning away from the use of seed oils in their products.
On this lunch visit while on a work day, I visited this location and ordered my food at the automated kiosk. I selected a Butter Single Steakburger with fries. The fries were thin, resembling potato chips, and were quite flavorful with the perfect amount of salt. As for the burger itself, it was cooked nicely and wasn’t too thick or thin, and was tasty but definitely had a salty aftertaste. In the end, you could do far worse but for regional fast food stops, this was on the higher end for me.
Have a Steak at Harry and Izzy’s Indianapolis
| Location: 4050 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46250 |
| Dinner Cost: $70 + tax and tip |
| Grade: A |
This is a local chain of steakhouses with three locations on the north, central and southern sections of Indianapolis. After a long day filled with meetings, my coworker and I craved a cocktail and a steak, so we were directed to this northside location. We arrived just before dinner time. We sampled some candied bacon, relished delicious garlic bread, and enjoyed a delightful Manhattan cocktail, followed by a glass of Malbec. I opted for the Filet Ribeye, which was exceptional. It had the tenderness of a tenderloin while delivering the rich flavor and marbling of a ribeye, making it truly remarkable. For my side dish, I selected French cut green beans sautéed in butter with onions and tomatoes. Additionally, the ribeye was reasonably priced, providing steakhouse quality without being overly expensive, positioned perfectly between upscale steakhouses and more casual spots like Texas Roadhouse (which is also a great option for steak!). The service was excellent, and our server was very attentive.
Enjoy a Cocktail at Eddie Merlot’s Indianapolis
| Location: 3645 E. 96th St, Indianapolis, IN 46240 |
| Drink Cost: $16 + tax and tip |
| Grade: B+ |
Eddie Merlot’s is a modest chain of steakhouses with approximately 12 locations, primarily found in cities across the Northeast and Upper Midwest, including Boston, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Indianapolis, as well as in suburban areas. The establishment presents itself as a casual steakhouse and seafood dining option, leaning towards a ‘business casual’ atmosphere. After a long day of travel, I was simply in search of a cocktail, and since I was staying at the nearby Residence Inn/Springhill Suites, this location was conveniently within walking distance. I settled on the lovely Blackberry Peppercorn Smash
A spicy and invigorating cocktail that blends that spicy peppercorn with the refreshing flavor of lemon sour, fresh mint, blackberry puree and Angel’s Envy bourbon. This was a incredibly refreshing cocktail. Some might be turned off by the black pepper, but it was good with me. Though the chapstick came in handy afterwards!
Where to Stay: Residence Inn & Springhill Suites
| Location: 9450 Counselors Row, Indianapolis, IN 46240 |
| Hotel Cost Per Night: $150-$200 a night on average |
| Grade: A- |
I chose this hotel due to its proximity to the office we were visiting for our work trip. While it may seem somewhat out of the way, it is conveniently located near major highways. The area also features numerous roundabouts! Overall, this hotel is very nice. The fitness center is spacious, and is equipped with a variety of weights, treadmills, and elliptical machines. Additionally, there is an indoor pool and an excellent breakfast bar that is included in your room rate offering a wide range of options, along with a coffee bar that serves both hot and iced coffee, which I particularly appreciated as an iced coffee fan! The hotel is clean, well-maintained and very comfortable; my room was a one-bedroom suite, though the studio suites likely offer similar quality. Situated on a parkway, it is within walking distance of several restaurants, including Cooper’s Hawk and the aforementioned Eddie Merlot’s. If you want a nice hotel that might be slightly out of the way, this will be a nice choice for you.